Bears Lending
Pawnbrokers lend on resale value: what the item would sell for, discounted for the chance you don't redeem it and the time it takes to sell. The categories below are ranked by how close the loan gets to resale value — gold first, because it has a price every day.
1. Gold, silver and platinum
Valued by weight and purity against the day's spot price. A 14k gold chain weighing 20 grams at a $2,400/oz spot is about $900 in melt value; a typical pawn loan is 60–70% of that. Bring it clean, and bring any appraisal or receipt — it doesn't change the melt math but it speeds the test.
2. Diamonds and luxury watches
Certified diamonds (GIA, AGS) and recognized watch brands — Rolex, Omega, Tag Heuer, Breitling — lend at up to 50% of resale. Box, papers and service records raise the offer noticeably. Uncertified stones are valued conservatively.
3. Phones, laptops and tablets
Current-generation, unlocked and working. Loans run 30–50% of used resale. Bring the charger, remove your account lock (Find My / Google lock), and factory reset if you can — a locked device can't be resold and may be declined.
4. Game consoles and TVs
Consoles with controllers and cables lend at 30–45% of resale. TVs need the remote and a clean screen; anything over 65" is harder to store and may be declined at smaller stores.
5. Power tools
Trade brands — DeWalt, Milwaukee, Makita, Snap-on — hold value. Complete kits (tool, batteries, charger, case) lend at 35–50%. Bare tools without batteries lend at much less.
6. Musical instruments and firearms
Guitars, amps and pro audio from recognized makers lend at 35–50%. Firearms are accepted where state and federal law permit; a background check applies on redemption, and you'll need proof of ownership.
| Category | Typical loan vs resale | What raises the offer |
|---|---|---|
| Gold / silver / platinum | 60–70% of melt | Higher purity, clean |
| Diamonds & watches | Up to 50% | Certificate, box, papers |
| Phones & laptops | 30–50% | Unlocked, reset, charger |
| Consoles & TVs | 30–45% | Controllers, remote, cables |
| Power tools | 35–50% | Full kit with batteries |
| Instruments & firearms | 35–50% | Case, proof of ownership |
What we don't take
- Anything without a serial number that's on a stolen-property report — pawnbrokers check.
- Items that can't be tested in store (non-working electronics).
- Vehicles — those are title pawns, a separate product.
- Furniture, clothing and most household goods, which don't resell.
Every item we'll lend on, we'll also buy. A purchase price is usually 20–40% higher than a loan offer on the same item, because there's no redemption risk. If you don't want the item back, ask for both numbers.
Questions
Do I need ID to pawn?
Yes, a government photo ID. No income, bank account or credit check.
What if I lose the pawn ticket?
Bring your ID; the store looks up the pawn. Only the person on the ticket can redeem.
Is my item insured while pawned?
Yes, for its loan value, in a secured storage area.